Chapter 164

Hazel's POV

I chuckled, leaning back in my chair as I adopted an air of nonchalance. "No game, just looking for a capable person to do some thing," I replied with a shrug.

The old man's lips quirked in a semblance of a smile, though his eyes remained guarded. "You think I would buy that? Who sent you? The Sulfur Hands? Well, whoever it is, tell them that they can shove whatever they want to tell me in a place where light does not reach."

"No one sent me," I grinned, taking a sip of my drink as I considered my next move. "Well, truth be told, I've heard some rather interesting things about you, Zion," I began, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "They say you're a man of considerable talent, with a knack for the unnatural arts. And I must admit, I find myself rather intrigued."

Zion's eyes narrowed, a flicker of suspicion crossing his weathered features. "And what exactly do you want from me, boy?" he asked, his tone sharp.

I leaned in closer, lowering my voice to a hushed